Casualties unknown

Private Pilot Loses Control After Takeoff from Sandbar (N5087Y)

Rainbow Lake, AK, US

On June 19, 1989, a Piper PA-18 (registration N5087Y) operated by Beck, Ronald E. was involved in an aviation accident near Rainbow Lake, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of control following a right wing stall induced by wind during the initial climb after takeoff from a sandbar. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot and passenger crashed into a lake shortly after takeoff from a sandbar when the pilot reported losing control due to a wind-induced stall of the right wing.

What happened

The private pilot was operating a flight with a single passenger, returning from a local fishing excursion. The departure originated from a sandbar located near their fishing site rather than a conventional airport runway. Shortly after the aircraft became airborne, the pilot reported that a wind condition caused the right wing to stall.

Following this aerodynamic event, the pilot lost control of the airplane. Despite efforts to recover, the aircraft crashed into a nearby lake. The specific details regarding the mechanical condition of the aircraft or the weather conditions at the time were not provided in the source narrative.

The investigation

The source text does not contain specific findings from an investigation into the mechanical components or the environmental factors beyond the pilot's statement regarding the wind stall.

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of control following a right wing stall induced by wind during the initial climb after takeoff from a sandbar.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28461. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.